Aladdin was the most successful film of 1992, and marked a move in animated film from hiring specifically trained voice actors, to celebrity actors.

The character of the Genie was drawn specifically for Williams - quite literally. Aladdin's directors asked Eric Goldberg, the Genie's supervising animator, to animate a reel of Williams' stand-up to pitch the part to Williams. The results included a sketch in which the Genie grew another head to discuss schizophrenia, and caused Williams to "laugh his ass off" - naturally, he signed up for the role.